The Santiago Twp. Board met last Wednesday and dealt with a pair of road issues that have been off and on the agenda over the years.  One of the roadways is in need of maintenance, while the other quandary includes how to address speeders on County Road 11 that runs through town.

Members of the Becker Twp. Board were present at the meeting to discuss future plans for 67th St., a shared roadway that helps to delineate the border between Santiago (to the north) and Becker (to the south).

It is not uncommon for roads to be shared between two different governmental units, therefore requiring plans for maintenance, construction and cost sharing of improvements.  By meeting together, the boards were attempting to clarify a process to address the future of the road and how to address chronic issues with its maintenance.

In the short term, the supervisors decided that the best course of action is to reclaim the asphalt and turn it temporarily into a gravel surface.  This will allow the boards the time to conduct soil borings in the area to determine a root cause of the continued degradation of the roadway.

It is suspected that there could be peat soils under the foundation, thereby allowing the freeze/thaw cycle to wreak havoc with the road.

While the gravel will be a temporary fix to the road, it will allow the boards to further investigate the root causes of the problem and to collaborate on a more permanent road improvement plan for the future. The boards pledged to continue to work together in the future to determine the best course of action.

Speed

Also of concern to the supervisors is the continued speeding issues that plague County Road 11.  Over the years, the board has worked with the Sheriff’s Office on additional enforcement patrols, as well as a speed sign in an attempt to educate drivers on the need to comply with the speed limit.  The fact that the road continues for miles in a straight line on both sides of Santiago seems to exacerbate the issue, as some drivers continue driving much too fast past the several businesses and residences that are located along the route.

Because it is an issue that seemingly arises quite often and continues to generate complaints from the residents of Santiago, the board decided to look at additional options and longer term solutions to the issue.  In the meantime, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to patrol the area and will issue citations as needed to encourage compliance with the speed limits.

Community

The board continues to investigate the sale of Station Two’s former rescue truck, now that the newer vehicle has been placed into service.  Once the title situation is cleared up, a decision will be made on moving forward with a price and method for the sale.

The board also discussed Saturday’s (April 24) Clean Up Day, which is hosted again on the grounds of Centra-Sota.  

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 12 at 7 pm at the Santiago Town Hall.